When it comes time to buy a home, there are certain factors you add into your affordability equation. First, there’s the price of the home. There’s also the closing costs. And moving costs. Plus the home inspection. And you definitely cannot ignore the current interest rates. Interest rate: This is…

Don’t be fooled – ‘Free’ Credit Report Offers vs. Credit Score for Mortgage The word ‘free’ is always a word that catches the eye. It is very effective bait. Bait and switch that is when it comes to credit reports. Many (or most) are actually scams that will snag you with…

The Skinny of Private Mortgage Insurance Buying a home: you scrimp, you save, you sacrifice, and eventually, you get approved for a mortgage! And while there are many different costs associated with buying a home, some people may need to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on top of everything…

As a first-time home buyer, the process can seem a little daunting unless you have a top-notch real estate agent who understands and is experienced in all aspects of the endeavor. Let’s say you find that perfect home. It ticks off all (or at least most) of the must-haves you…

Providence, Rhode Island; December 2017 – For an amazing fourth consecutive time, Shamrock Financial has won the National Brightest and Best Award. Given by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), this award celebrates those companies across the United States that consistently show their dedication to excellence. This award is…

SAVING MONEY FOR YOUR NEW HOME – EASIER THAN YOU MAY THINK Saving for a down payment for your first home can seem like an overwhelming project. With some savvy saving and creative budgeting, you may reach that goal sooner than you think. If you don’t have a budget and you…

The Evolving Face of Social Media You may or may not be a fan, but there’s little doubt that you haven’t heard about it: Facebook. This is the social media platform where you can tell people what you are thinking, show pictures of your latest vacation, and “like” whatever your…

What is a Loan Officer? Think about the people you know – how many of them own a home, condo, cottage, or some other type of property? Chances are, quite a few of them do! Now think – aside from using a real estate agent and making an offer on…

When it comes to buying and selling homes, you will meet up with a whole cast of characters. Think mortgage lenders like Shamrock Financial, home inspectors, the sellers, legal reps. And you cannot forget about the successful real estate agent! This person is the connection between you and the house…

Take a deep breath – you’re buying your first home. Maybe you can no longer handle your noisy neighbors. Perhaps you have simmering desire for your own space at last. Whatever your reason, finally deciding to buy your first home can be exciting – and daunting! Haven’t you heard the…

For the third time in as many years, Shamrock Financial Corporation has, yet again, won one of the sought-after National Brightest and Best Companies to Work For™ award. Handed out by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ competition acknowledges those businesses…

High-producing loan officers don’t get to the top by accident. Successful loan officers have a formula for success which often includes a few simple disciplines repeated daily or DAS. (Daily Action Strategies) In addition, they have a road map they refer to frequently which leads them to the fruition of…

Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Professionals know how difficult it is to be the “go-to” resource for every type of home buyer and referral partner. It’s a time-consuming circus act and it usually won’t result in dealing with folks who will do business the way you do. Conversely, some people…

There are certain words and phrases in the English language that are not acceptable to use for a variety of reasons. The real estate industry is no exception. The words and phrases you use can have a subtle yet marked effect on your approach to sales. One such phrase is…

Don’t be fooled – ‘Free’ Credit Report Offers vs. Credit Score for Mortgage The word ‘free’ is always a word that catches the eye. It is very effective bait. Bait and switch that is when it comes to credit reports. Many (or most) are actually scams that will snag you with…

As a first-time home buyer, the process can seem a little daunting unless you have a top-notch real estate agent who understands and is experienced in all aspects of the endeavor. Let’s say you find that perfect home. It ticks off all (or at least most) of the must-haves you…

When it comes to buying and selling homes, you will meet up with a whole cast of characters. Think mortgage lenders like Shamrock Financial, home inspectors, the sellers, legal reps. And you cannot forget about the successful real estate agent! This person is the connection between you and the house…

Take a deep breath – you’re buying your first home. Maybe you can no longer handle your noisy neighbors. Perhaps you have simmering desire for your own space at last. Whatever your reason, finally deciding to buy your first home can be exciting – and daunting! Haven’t you heard the…

Moving to the Northeast? Consider This… Sometimes, you gotta move – and that can mean to a new city! Whether it is for work, love, or a searing need for change, finding the right area can be a tough decision. Do you want the sunny days of the west, the…

Buying a Home Gets Even Easier with Rhode Island Housing! Buying a home these days is no easy feat. In addition to the price of the home itself – which can be extremely high – you can’t forget about legal fees, appraisal expenses, closing costs, and moving expenses. And given…

It’s Time to Buy Your home. It’s not just a place to rest your weary feet, but it can also be a great investment. But if you don’t play your cards right, you could be in trouble. So, when it comes to buying a home, there’s the right way to…

How to Get a Home Loan Unless you just won the lottery or inherited money from a long-lost relative, to buy your first home, you will need to get a home loan. Definition: Your mortgage is a loan that a mortgage lender gives to you to buy a home. That…

When it comes time to buy a home, you need to get your ducks in a row. That means doing several things. Having your down payment ready, knowing what you want in your home, and finding the right real estate agent. And don’t forget about that pre-approval! But how long…

Choosing One of the Best Mortgage Lenders If you have ever bought a home or are in the process of doing so, you know that you have a lot of boxes to check on your task list. You need to save up for that down payment, find the right real…

Exciting, nerve-wracking, stressful, and wonderful – buying a home is all of those, and more. Borrowing thousands of dollars to buy a place to live, to create a home sweet home, is not something you should take lightly. It is a financial transaction that can have long-lasting effects, both good and…

Drop the Burden of Student Loan Debt Getting an education is one way to help you land a satisfying career, but the problem with getting that education is the associated student debt. And there can be a lot of it. So much so that your amount of debt can prevent…

A Primer on Your Credit Score When you apply for a loan – mortgage, car, or credit card – the lender will want to take a peek at your financial information, and that includes your credit score. This magical number indicates the likelihood that you will be able to pay…

Are You Pre-approved? There are many parts in the process of buying a home: saving for a down payment, searching for homes, and negotiating the offer. But there is a crucial part that you should not ignore, and that is getting pre-approved. What does being pre-approved actually mean? It means…

Buying a home can be an overwhelming task, but making an offer on a house is exciting! It takes time to arrange your documentation, get pre-approved, and even find the time to start looking! So when you do find the right house in the right location at the right price,…

The Skinny of Private Mortgage Insurance Buying a home: you scrimp, you save, you sacrifice, and eventually, you get approved for a mortgage! And while there are many different costs associated with buying a home, some people may need to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on top of everything…

Does this scenario seem familiar? Every month, you pay money mostly towards interest, plus some towards the principal, until you have paid off your debt. If this sounds like a mortgage payment to you, then you’d be right. Even though, at the beginning of your mortgage, most of your hard-earned…

Choosing One of the Best Mortgage Lenders If you have ever bought a home or are in the process of doing so, you know that you have a lot of boxes to check on your task list. You need to save up for that down payment, find the right real…

Debt Free, Schmebt Free? Living debt free is a life-long pursuit for many people. Having no debt frees up cash for other purchases, means paying no more interest, and removes the financial shackles of your creditors. Yet you could have a mortgage, a car loan, and multiple credit card loans…

A Primer on Your Credit Score When you apply for a loan – mortgage, car, or credit card – the lender will want to take a peek at your financial information, and that includes your credit score. This magical number indicates the likelihood that you will be able to pay…

When someone is looking to buy or sell a home, they may start the transaction on their own, but in most cases, they will contact a real estate agent. A qualified agent will know how to price a home accordingly, find comparable listings, suggest ways to improve the curb appeal…

The Price of Refinancing When you want to take advantage of lower interest rates, change the type of mortgage you have, or access equity on your home, you may ask yourself, “How much will I save by refinancing?“. Refinancing involves getting a new loan, with different terms, to replace your…

Thinking about Refinancing? Whether it is saving money, paying off your mortgage earlier, or accessing equity, there are many reasons why you would want to refinance. Simply, refinancing is obtaining a new mortgage with new terms that will enhance your financial situation. If you understand how refinancing works and what…

*Note: The HARP program was recently extended again to go until December 31st, 2018.* Home ownership is a reality for quite a few Americans, but a dream for many others. To help that dream come true, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that it will extend its…

When interest rates are lowered, when you want to change the type of or the duration of your mortgage, or access equity in your home, you may think about refinancing. Refinancing is the process of having your original mortgage paid off and then replaced with a new one with new,…

Refinancing Your Home When interest rates are lower or you want to take advantage of more favorable mortgage terms, it may be time to refinance. But when you refinance, just about everything is dependent on the home appraisal. Why is this? It ensures that the mortgage lender does not lend…

About Refinancing If you find that you are having problems making the payments on your mortgage, due to higher interest rates, the type of mortgage you have, or other personal financial issues, it may be time for you to consider refinancing. In a nutshell, refinancing is the process of getting…

If you are a senior, or know one, who wants or needs to access to funds in retirement, you might think that getting a part-time job is your only option. It isn’t. If you have equity in a property, then consider reverse mortgage solutions to get a cash flow for…

Divorces can be an unfortunate part of life. There are many aspects that need to be addressed at this time and one of those is the division of the marital property. It is common for one of the spouses to want to keep the property, and that would involve a…

Should I Refinance My Mortgage? Refinancing your mortgage is the process of paying off your existing mortgage and replacing it with a new one. Home owners refinance their mortgages for a number of reasons. If you have asked yourself, Should I refinance my mortgage?”, you may have come up with…

The Evolving Face of Social Media You may or may not be a fan, but there’s little doubt that you haven’t heard about it: Facebook. This is the social media platform where you can tell people what you are thinking, show pictures of your latest vacation, and “like” whatever your…

When it comes to buying and selling homes, you will meet up with a whole cast of characters. Think mortgage lenders like Shamrock Financial, home inspectors, the sellers, legal reps. And you cannot forget about the successful real estate agent! This person is the connection between you and the house…

Why Sell Your House? To sell or not to sell – that is the question. If this thought has been floating around in your mind, what has been stopping you from taking the plunge? Perhaps you are unsure about whether you would make a profit, or when you should put your…

How to Get a Home Loan Unless you just won the lottery or inherited money from a long-lost relative, to buy your first home, you will need to get a home loan. Definition: Your mortgage is a loan that a mortgage lender gives to you to buy a home. That…

Choosing One of the Best Mortgage Lenders If you have ever bought a home or are in the process of doing so, you know that you have a lot of boxes to check on your task list. You need to save up for that down payment, find the right real…

Your Ultimate Guide to Home Inspections When you want to buy a new TV or smartphone, you may look through flyers, research various options, and ask for recommendations to make sure you get the best value for your money. So why wouldn’t you do that with a home? To avoid…

After weeks of helping your clients search for that property that meets both their budget and their wants, at last you found the one! But that’s just the start of the process. You now need to guide your clients through the home closing process to cap the financial transaction. Your…

Here Comes Your Credit! Being approved for a mortgage is a great thing. Preparing your finances to get approved is another. On their end, mortgage lenders need to make sure that every borrower is a good credit risk. This means that the mortgage lender needs to be convinced that the…

If you are thinking of buying your first home, then you know that there are plenty of decisions to make, and one of those is about your first home mortgage loan program. Which mortgage to get, what terms are best, which mortgage lenders to consider – it can get overwhelming…

Out with the Old, In with the New No one likes a complicated form, and real estate is no exception. Therefore, if you are a real estate agent working in Massachusetts, then you need to be aware of changes that will affect you in this new MA real estate agency…

The location, the prices, the market, the trends. If you have any hope of becoming a rock star real estate agent, you need specific and current knowledge about these topics, and more. But then ask yourself these questions: Do clients know whom you are? Do they know what you have…

Consider an FHA Mortgage You have decided to buy a home and that’s great! While the decision itself may be exciting, doing all of that required administrative work – locating pay stubs, collecting bank account details, assembling debt details – is not. Then comes the issue of decision making: What…

The Art of Negotiation In real estate, most everything is negotiable – to an extent. If you have ever bought or sold a home, then you now that sentiment certainly applies to the price of the home. Regardless if you are a buyer or seller, you want to get the…

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to selling homes, having professional-grade pictures in your listings can be the springboard you need to achieve a sale. But with advances in photography and technology, the standard picture of each room is no longer enough.…

What is a Credit Score? Once you start your financial life, one of the things you will get is a credit score. This is a three digit number that is calculated using details of your financial history, employment history, and more. This number is used to help determine your likelihood…

What is a Loan Officer? Think about the people you know – how many of them own a home, condo, cottage, or some other type of property? Chances are, quite a few of them do! Now think – aside from using a real estate agent and making an offer on…

How to Get a Home Loan Unless you just won the lottery or inherited money from a long-lost relative, to buy your first home, you will need to get a home loan. Definition: Your mortgage is a loan that a mortgage lender gives to you to buy a home. That…

When you are a loan officer, you want to recommend the best personal and business loans for your clients. Finding the right mortgage lender for your clients is not just about getting the best interest rate. You want to make sure that you work with experienced professionals who want more…

Choosing One of the Best Mortgage Lenders If you have ever bought a home or are in the process of doing so, you know that you have a lot of boxes to check on your task list. You need to save up for that down payment, find the right real…

The Impact of Social Media When you’re a loan officer, part of your work relies on creating, building, and maintaining relationships with clients and other professionals. And that means getting your message out there for all to read. For an all-encompassing marketing strategy, you probably rely on a variety of…

Here Comes Your Credit! Being approved for a mortgage is a great thing. Preparing your finances to get approved is another. On their end, mortgage lenders need to make sure that every borrower is a good credit risk. This means that the mortgage lender needs to be convinced that the…

When you need a loan for your home, car, or college tuition, you would talk with a loan officer to determine if you are an acceptable risk. In terms of buying a home, these professionals assist potential buyers in determining the right loan product for each client and inform them…

After the resumes and the interviews, it finally happens – you get the job offer for a loan officer. You’re excited to sign on the dotted line, but not so fast. You need to take a long hard look at your employment contract. An employment contract defines the obligations of…

In July of 2008, a federal law, known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act, was passed. The intent of this act was to ensure that state-licensed Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) met certain National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) requirements. These include: Passing a written test Completing…

The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) is the main governing system surrounding the management of licenses for individual Mortgage Loan Originators (MLO) and mortgage businesses for state and/or territorial agencies in the United States. The primary tasks of MLOs is to advise potential borrowers about the various mortgage loan products…

High-producing loan officers don’t get to the top by accident. Successful loan officers have a formula for success which often includes a few simple disciplines repeated daily or DAS. (Daily Action Strategies) In addition, they have a road map they refer to frequently which leads them to the fruition of…

There are certain words and phrases in the English language that are not acceptable to use for a variety of reasons. The real estate industry is no exception. The words and phrases you use can have a subtle yet marked effect on your approach to sales. One such phrase is…

With the holiday season fast approaching, many businesses start to plan the corporate gifts that they will send to current clients, prospective clients, and suppliers. Not only is it a thoughtful way to thank them for their business, but it is a great marketing strategy to keep your business close…

The social media landscape is changing (I know, I know..more changes!) and having a presence online isn’t something to put off for a rainy day. Prospects and clients will look to the social networks for guidance on who to work with for their next purchase or refinance.

Don’t be fooled – ‘Free’ Credit Report Offers vs. Credit Score for Mortgage The word ‘free’ is always a word that catches the eye. It is very effective bait. Bait and switch that is when it comes to credit reports. Many (or most) are actually scams that will snag you with…

SAVING MONEY FOR YOUR NEW HOME – EASIER THAN YOU MAY THINK Saving for a down payment for your first home can seem like an overwhelming project. With some savvy saving and creative budgeting, you may reach that goal sooner than you think. If you don’t have a budget and you…

The Evolving Face of Social Media You may or may not be a fan, but there’s little doubt that you haven’t heard about it: Facebook. This is the social media platform where you can tell people what you are thinking, show pictures of your latest vacation, and “like” whatever your…

Because there is no quick way to fix your credit score, rebuilding your credit will take time, patience, and discipline. But it can be done. When you ask yourself, “How can I raise my credit score?, remember these easy tips: Pay all your bills and debts on time. Set up…

Thanksgiving is not only about giving thanks for the blessings you have been given this year, but also about gathering around the table and enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones. Our Shamrock family has a few Thanksgiving recipes that we want to share with you with the hope that…

It is a common refrain – if you have a good credit score, the better off you will be financially. It is easy to understand why. Your credit score is used to help determine if you can get a car loan, a mortgage, and in some cases, a job. The…

What is a Credit Score? Once you start your financial life, one of the things you will get is a credit score. This is a three digit number that is calculated using details of your financial history, employment history, and more. This number is used to help determine your likelihood…

What is Identity Theft? We have all heard of the term: identity theft. It is a crime where a person gains key pieces of personal or financial information, such as a driver’s license, credit card number, or Social Security number. The intent is to pretend to be that person to…

What is an Appraisal? An appraisal is the unbiased opinion of a home’s value by a certified professional. Appraisals are most frequently used in the buying, selling, and refinancing transactions of a property to help determine whether the offer price of a property is on par considering the condition, features,…

But which fall home maintenance tasks should you do? Below is a list of some tasks that you should complete: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: A simple home maintenance task that is easy to complete: checking that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working…

What is an Appraisal? Whether you are buying a home or selling your existing one, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself, and one of them is this: is the asking price an accurate one? Simply because you have been pre-approved for a mortgage, or that…

When you have a sweet little newborn, you want to do everything to keep them snugly and safe. But don’t wait until they start crawling to baby proof your home. Even before they crawl, they can reach, grasp, and pull themselves up, which can lead to safety issues. Baby proofing…

When applying for a car loan, credit card, or mortgage, lenders all take a good, hard look at many aspects of your financial life, and that includes your credit report. This document contains many personal details, such as your name, date of birth, addresses, places of employment, and your social…

Introduction Do you buy a coffee every day? What about a muffin to go with it? Go out for lunch a few times a week? Maybe see a movie on the weekend? All of these little purchases – as well as your larger expenses – can quickly take a toll…

Introduction Once you decide to put your home on the market, you have a number of decisions to make: what items will you include in the sale, how long of a closing would you like, and most importantly, what is your asking price. Before you decide on a price, you…